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banger

/ˈbæŋ.ə/
IELTSAcademic
noun
  1. 1.

    A very good song, film, or piece of entertainment. In informal speech, people use it for something exciting and high-energy.

    • That new track is a real banger.
    • This playlist is full of bangers.
    • The movie ended with a banger of a scene.
  2. 2.

    In British English, an old or cheap sausage. It is usually used in casual food talk.

    • We had bangers and mash for dinner.
    • These bangers are very tasty.
    • Add the bangers to the pan first.
  3. 3.

    A thing or event that is very successful or impressive. This use is informal and often positive.

    • Her speech was a banger.
    • The party was an absolute banger.
    • That match was a banger from start to finish.

Adinary Nuance

Banger is more casual and enthusiastic than words like hit or classic. It often suggests strong energy, especially for songs, parties, or performances. In British food talk, it can also mean a sausage, so context matters. Use it in relaxed speech, not formal writing.

In other languages

Vietnamese
bài hát hay
Spanish
éxito
Chinese
神曲
Japanese
名曲
Korean
명곡

Etymology

Banger comes from the verb bang, with the idea of something loud or strong. The food sense is older in British English, while the modern praise sense became common in informal speech and music culture.

Common phrases

a real bangeran absolute bangerbangers and mashnew banger

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is banger formal or informal?
It is informal. People usually use it in speech, social media, or casual reviews.
What is the difference between banger and hit?
A hit is broader and more neutral. Banger is more slangy and shows stronger excitement.
Does banger only mean a song?
No. It can also mean a very successful event, or a sausage in British English.
Is banger used in American English?
Yes, especially for songs and internet slang. The sausage meaning is mainly British.